What Are You Waiting For?
The title of this piece is, of course, the famous question that Ananias asked Saul right before baptizing him. Why do you wait? In my work with those who are non-believers, there comes a time when this is a legitimate question to ask.
It has been helpful to use the story of Moses, the burning bush, and excuses to help address these issues. The story is found in Exodus 3 and 4. Here is how we use it in helping people make a decision for Jesus.
The “burning bush” moment is that they have learned the good news of Jesus—that he died for their sins and was raised from the dead. Their call is to be born again into the Kingdom of God.
And here are some of the excuses they give:
Who am I? This is another way of asking if one is good enough. Addicts. Ex-offenders. People with lots of sin issues. It is the whole “I need to clean up my act first” way of thinking.
Remember what God told Moses: “I will be with you.” The point of following Jesus is not to show we have our act together. It is to let life in Christ put our life together. Grace. Forgiveness. Living out our baptism. Life in Christ.
Who you are is the person Jesus died for so that you could be brought back to God.What if they ask your name? Another way of asking if I know enough. Do I understand everything about following Jesus? Am I ready?
God told Moses to tell them he was the I Am. Jesus is the answer. You have to know that God loves you enough that He sent Jesus to die for you. Then raised him on the third day. That is the good news our world needs to know.The Lord did not appear to you. There are a couple of applications here. One is if they question us. Are you authentic? Are you telling me the truth? The other is this: will I be able to live up to my commitment?
God had Moses do the staff/snake and leprosy miracles. For those of us sharing Jesus, our life is the proof of what we say about Jesus. He does change lives. We can live forgiven. For them, it is a reminder that the God that has that kind of power is the God who has the power to forgive your sins.I am not a good speaker. I am not talented enough. What do I have to offer the church? What can I do for Jesus?
God tells Moses to use Aaron, who is an eloquent speaker. This is why we live in community. We all have gifts and talents. We all have a story. Together the community of Christ is powerful.
God gives an answer to every one of Moses’ excuses just as we try to answer every excuse for those seeking Jesus.
Except for one.
Moses asked God to send someone else and God got mad at him.
The application here is obvious. God can work through all your issues and battles. All your baggage.
Just do not say no to Jesus.
These have proved helpful to us in persuading people to follow Jesus. Perhaps they will prove useful to you and your church.
